What is Wisdom?

Many wonder, “What is wisdom and how can I get it?” This is a great question that is asked and sought after by people who endeavor to become wise and have a successful life.

With the proliferation of information that is supplied by universities, brilliant poets, schools of philosophy, and the ever-growing Google scholar, there is no excuse for mankind not to experience its own enlightenment.

The starting point begins with self. We, at times, are our own worst enemy robbing us of a life filled with happiness and contentment. There are so many wonderful things out there to experience and enjoy. Later in this article, there will be more about dealing with ourselves and how we can start this wonderful process of growing in wisdom.

Many have tried to define wisdom. A scholar may state that it comes from using the acquired knowledge that one possess, processing and making sense of it; and a philosopher could go into greater detail regarding education, sociological/political upheavals, personal experiences, all combined with a desire to reflect upon and make wise choices individually.

In Greek philosophy, wisdom was believed to be derived from intelligent reasoning, an acceptance of reality, and experience (both good and bad). The Greeks felt, when these three factors were coupled together, there was a dynamic that would propel the individual to reach higher levels of self-improvement resulting in societal advancement.

Socrates and Plato strongly believed in the principles of accepting truth and reality to be wise. Plato stated, “When the mind's eye rests on objects illuminated by truth and reality, it understands and comprehends them, and functions intelligently.”

Poetry allows us to look deep within the souls of men and women whose experiences give us hope and improve our wisdom. Poems written by legendary poets have inspired people from all walks of life to take a look at their “inner self.” Well-written poems motivate people because of their impassioned approach, ingenuity, and preeminent thoughts. As Shakespeare so aptly stated, “Of all knowledge the wise and good seek most to know themselves.”

For all practical purposes, walking in the way of the wise can be summed up as knowing how to live life skillfully and applying what has been learned to achieve personal growth.

However, there is one crucial element that must be exercised to begin this great journey of growing in wisdom and that is the willingness to be open-minded and make necessary changes when needed.

Evolution of Self - the Formidable Challenge

Why is it that most people are rigidly averse to the consideration of new ideas or other people’s point of view? Not only is a new idea rejected but obstinately despised by most. This provokes one to ask why? The following non-exclusive list explains 3 reasons why people refuse to accept another perspective, thereby curtailing their personal growth:

1. Fear Of The Unknown- It is difficult for humans to accept change because of the unknown. We all live in sociological systems that provide us familiarity and comfort with our families and daily activities. It is hard to part ways with them because in doing so we enter into uncharted waters.

2. Too Much Risk - When one changes his or her belief system and decides to evolve into another capacity of reasoning, he encounters an element of taking a risk. With risk comes the possibility of failure. No one wants to fail.

3. Pride - Most of us are simply too proud to make a transformation when we have thought and believed in a certain fashion for an extensive period of time; the resistance to change has a greater stronghold. The thought of admitting to the necessity of change means we have to acknowledge that our previous beliefs were wrong. This takes courage. Unfortunately, pride can be greater than our courageous attempts.

Change or evolution is a veritable process that cannot be denied. It is happening all around us. Whether, we choose to accept this does not stop the reality of it. When change is necessary, one must be open-minded enough to receive it, embrace it, and learn from it. There are certain realities that cannot be repudiated. Facts and reality are ironclad. Unfortunately, they are, at times, diametrically opposed to one’s personal beliefs.

The world and society are evolving at a very fast pace. Evolution is simply change over time. There is an evolutionary process in politics, religion, music, the environment, business and industry, relationships, physical fitness, etc.

With the technological advancements that have surfaced today coupled with the sociological (macro) and psychological (micro) revolutions that occur in society, evolution cannot be stopped! Furthermore, these momentous changes mentioned above have provided wonderful benefits for the betterment of humanity. But change must first begin with self to enjoy these benefits.

When an obvious need to make changes is resisted, an individual cannot achieve personal growth. His psychological (micro) makeup becomes stagnant. Stagnation results in individual regression. At that point, the person experiences the opposite of being wise. Folly is now the captain of his or her life.

The ramifications of a life guided by folly are idiocy, recklessness, ineffectiveness, sadness, and poverty. Knowledge and words of wisdom mean nothing to the individual who isn’t willing to change a wrong belief or an erroneous direction.

Furthermore, resisting necessary change can affect innocent people in society (macro). The consequences may be devastating resulting in: war, genocide, racism, chauvinism, and other ills that plague society like an out of control cancer metastasizing from one portion of civilization to another.

An inflexible attitude hinders personal growth, inhibits success, negates happiness, and can put one’s life and others in harmful situations. As stated above, innocent people also suffer from one’s stubborn and implacable mindset.

People have the Power to Change

How exactly does one make the needed changes that result in greater wisdom? The starting point is humility. One must first be honest with themselves. He or she must make a conscious effort to admit, as a human being, that they have limited knowledge and are susceptible to making mistakes.

One must recognize limitations, flaws, and insecurities that exist within themselves. Another point of view should be listened to and sincerely considered. The person with an opposing idea or belief is, at times, just as sincere as the next individual. Commonality exists in all of humanity such as a family, a desire to be successful, to have love, respect, and dignity.

There have been prudent philosophers, brilliant poets, and sagacious scholars who have left behind words of wisdom, inspirational quotes,and great examples to live by. They are there to learn from. With the advent of the internet and the Google scholar, information is readily accessible.

But this wonderful journey begins with self. To truly be wise and intelligent, one must make a conscience decision and a concerted effort to be open to turning a new direction, gathering information, accepting reality, learning from experiences, and sharing with others.

The world and society are evolving at a very fast pace. Evolution is simply change over time. There is an evolutionary process in politics, religion, music, the environment, business and industry, relationships, physical fitness, etc.

With the technological advancements that have surfaced today coupled with the sociological (macro) and psychological (micro) revolutions that occur in society, evolution cannot be stopped! Furthermore, these momentous changes mentioned above have provided wonderful benefits for the betterment of humanity. But change must first begin with self to enjoy these benefits.

When an obvious need to make changes is resisted, an individual cannot achieve personal growth. His psychological (micro) makeup becomes stagnant. Stagnation results in individual regression. At that point, the person experiences the opposite of being wise. Folly is now the captain of his or her life.

The ramifications of a life guided by folly are idiocy, recklessness, ineffectiveness, sadness, and poverty. Knowledge and words of wisdom mean nothing to the individual who isn’t willing to change a wrong belief or an erroneous direction.

Furthermore, resisting necessary change can affect innocent people in society (macro). The consequences may be devastating resulting in: war, genocide, racism, chauvinism, and other ills that plague society like an out of control cancer metastasizing from one portion of civilization to another.

An inflexible attitude hinders personal growth, inhibits success, negates happiness, and can put one’s life and others in harmful situations. As stated above, innocent people also suffer from one’s stubborn and implacable mindset.

One Last Thought

Always remember: “The mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work unless it’s open.” Never be a know-it-all or closed-minded. One should be a critical thinker and even, at times, challenge their own beliefs.

With this type of mindset, one is ever evolving and keeping up with the fast paced world that exists today. An attitude that is open-minded and willing to learn is led by objectivity... and objectivity leads to creativity... and creativity leads to enlightenment… and enlightenment leads to personal growth.

When one continues to grow personally, the possibilities are limitless for potential and happiness. This is the essence of wisdom.